Updated: 01/02/2026
Type: Power-based, mixed with heart rate and RPE.

This Gravel Burn 24-week base-to-race day plan is for the beginner gravel bike rider/racer. Your goal might be to make it across the finish line each day within the cut-off time.
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The Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 750 km gravel stage race across South Africa. The route runs from the coastal forests of Knysna through the Great Karoo, over mountain passes and semi-desert terrain, ending at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The race is fully supported, with service stations, technical assistance, and overnight camps.
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Following the plan will increase sustained power and prepare your body for the back-to-back demands of multi-day stage racing. The structure and execution of the workouts also develop and maintain bike-handling skills, reaction time, pedal efficiency, and leg speed.

Weekday workouts can be executed on an indoor trainer. When the weather is favourable, weekend sessions and skill sessions should be ridden outdoors and exclusively on the gravel bike, and even if it is on the road/tar.

When to start: 24 weeks before the event date, 25/10/2026.
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The Plan Layout

Base and build blocks, plus simulation, peak, taper, and race week, with built-in recovery to prevent overtraining.

Workouts are scheduled in a specific order to match expected fatigue, and allow for adequate recovery times based on workout intensity. The plan also includes nutrition, strength, and flexibility guidance to support training quality.

Week 1 includes a Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test to ensure you’re training at the level that’s right for you. You will retest later to track your progress.
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Key Features

A supportive environment via email. Feel free to reach out for guidance or clarification regarding the training plan or your goals.

Easy to follow. RIDEANDRACE.NET pre-built training plans are research-based combined with personal experience and practical knowledge. The plans and workouts are detailed and include some sport and cycling science terminology, but are entirely written in ordinary words and simple sentences.
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Should you have any questions or need guidance when choosing a pre-built plan.
Email: rideandraceinfo@gmail.com
Or use the contact form on my TrainingPeaks coaching profile page.

Website: www.rideandrace.net